It’s back to the bargaining table this week for Air Transat and its flight attendants after the latter voted to voted to reject a tentative deal with company. There are currently no strike or lock-out notices issued by either party and both say they are keen to reach a new agreement quickly.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the 2,100 flight attendants at the airline, says more than 98% of workers voted against the tentative contract reached Dec. 14. In November, Air Transat flight attendants voted to approve a strike mandate if a new contract could not be reached.

According to Transat, the tentative agreement that was presented to members had been approved by the union executive, without restriction, on Dec. 14, “and seemed to meet the main interests discussed with the flight attendants’ union…”

“We had reached a tentative agreement negotiated in good faith, which met the interests of both parties,” points out Julie Lamontagne, Chief People, Sustainability and Communications Officer of Transat. “We are disappointed by this outcome, as we were confident that the tentative agreement would be accepted by the majority of our flight attendants. We are returning to the bargaining table, and our objective remains to find common ground as soon as possible.”

On its website, Transat stated:

“We are… confident of reaching a new agreement quickly, which is a top priority for Air Transat and the union’s negotiating committee. Despite this unforeseeable event, this is not a strike notice, and our operations continue as planned.

 Customers wishing to cancel or modify their reservation may do so according to the terms and conditions of their fare class.

 In the event of a formal strike notice filed by the union and the subsequent cancellation of certain flights, Air Transat will meet all its obligations as a carrier to accommodate its travellers. This would include the offer of a new ticket on a next available flight or that of a partner airline if such an option exists within 48 hours of the original departure time, or the refund of any unused portion of the trip.

 For those who have booked a package and are at destination and whose stay may be extended, Transat will cover any additional costs incurred.

 Further updates will be issued as the situation evolves.”